Multi-wideband communications over multiple mediums within a network

ABSTRACT

A powerline communications device comprises a powerline communications interface and at least one other communications interface configured to communicate over a computing network. The powerline communications interface is further configured to receive electrical power. The computing network may comprise mediums including powerlines, telephone lines, and/or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the powerline communications interface may communicate with a network apparatus, such as a personal computer, via an Ethernet interface. The powerline interface, the telephone line interface, and/or the coaxial cable interface may all be associated with the same media access control (MAC) address. The powerline communications device may receive a message via a first medium and repeat the message via a second medium based on a quality of service (QoS) metric. In some embodiments, the powerline communications device may communicate using multiple frequency bands.

CROSS-REFERENCES

This nonprovisional U.S. patent application is a continuation-in-part ofnonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/536,539 filed Sep.28, 2006 and entitled “Multi-Wideband Communications over Powerlines,”which claims benefit of and priority to European Patent Application EP05 256 179.2, entitled “Power line Communication Device and Method,”filed Oct. 3, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119; a continuation-in-part ofnonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/562,380 filed Nov.21, 2006 and entitled “Network Repeater;” and a continuation-in-part ofnonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,167 filed Jan. 2,2007 and entitled “Unknown Destination Traffic Repetition” all of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present application relates generally to communications and morespecifically to multi-wideband communications over multiple mediums.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, residences such as houses, apartments, and condominiums havemultiple types of wires for power and/or communications. For example, ahouse may typically have one or more ring mains, or may have multiplespurs configured to supply power to most, if not all, of the rooms inthe house. The house may additionally have one or more telephone lineconnections, including multiple extensions accessible in various rooms.The telephone line may provide telephone communications and/or Internetaccess using a digital subscriber line (DSL) standard. Many homesadditionally have one or more coaxial cable connections to a number ofrooms. For example, cable television programming or satellite televisionprogramming, or terrestrial analog television may be received via thecoaxial cable. In some cases the phone line or coax in the home may beunused by any apparatus. Further, networked apparatuses may communicatevia Ethernet cabling.

Many households include devices that communicate with one another. Forexample, a television set may communicate with a digital versatile disc(DVD) player to display a movie on the television set. Thesecommunications require separate wires and/or cables connecting the DVDplayer to the television set. These device-to-device wires can becomevery complex, if, for example, other components such as a stereo systemare also connected to the television set. Further, the stereo system maybe separately connected via another wire to a personal computer or mediaplayer. The use of a dedicated wire between devices additionally limitswhich devices are able to communicate with one another. For example,many homeowners are reluctant to connect a very long wire from, forexample, a television in the kitchen to a DVD player in a bedroom. Inaddition, with the rise of digital content, such as JPEG digitalphotographs, MP3 digital music and MPEG digital video, that can arrivefrom multiple sources, such as the cable service provider or theinternet, and could be stored in different devices in the home, such asthe Personal Computer (PC) or a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) or a SetTop Box (STB), there is a need to create a digital in-home network thatcan distribute the digital content through network connected devicesthroughout the home with high performance and reliability.

Powerline communication (PLC) is a technology that encodes digital datain a signal and transmits the signal on existing electricity powerlinesin a band of frequencies that are not used for supplying electricalpower. Accordingly, PLC leverages the ubiquity of sockets withinexisting power supply networks to provide an extensive number ofpossible connection points to form a network.

Referring to FIG. 1, a powerline network in a household 100 typicallyhas a distributed mains wiring system consisting of one or more ringmains, several stubs or spurs and some distribution back to a junctionbox 104. For example, the household 100 is supplied electrical powerfrom an external line 102. The junction box 104 routes the electricalpower among ring mains 106, 108, and 110. The household 100 furthercomprises a telephone line network 112. The telephone line network 112,as shown, does not require a junction box or division among multiplerings. It should be noted that the powerline network is typically morewidely distributed to outlets and rooms than the telephone line network112.

As shown in FIG. 1, there are a variety of distances and paths betweendifferent power outlets in the household. In particular, the outletsmost closely located to each other are those on multi-plug strips, andthe outlets furthest away from each other are those on the ends of stubsof different ring mains (e.g. power outlets in the first floor and thesecond floor). Communications between these furthest outlets typicallypass through the junction box 104. In some PLC systems, it may bedifficult to pass communications through the junction box, particularlyif they are on different alternating current (AC) phases.

There is, therefore, a need for improved communications systems thatovercome the above and other problems.

SUMMARY

A communications device for simultaneous multi-wideband communicationsover multiple mediums is provided. The multiple mediums may include, forexample, a powerline, a telephone line, and/or a coaxial cable. In someembodiments, a communication may be transmitted or received via any ofthe mediums. A communication may be received via a first medium andforwarded in a second medium. In some embodiments, a third medium mayalso be available for reception and/or transmission of thecommunication. For example, a multi-network interface device may receivea communication via a powerline and forward the received communicationvia a telephone line. Further, a communication between two multi-networkinterface devices may be transmitted, in parallel or sequentially,through two or more mediums within a communications network. Forexample, a video signal may be transmitted from a DVD player to atelevision via both the powerline and a coaxial cable. In variousembodiments, one medium may be used to bridge two portions of anothermedium. For example, to bypass a junction box or to reach part of thenetwork on a different AC phase, a telephone line may be used as abridge between sections of mains cable or sections on different ACphases in a powerline network.

The various media may be used in conjunction with multi-widebandcommunications. The multi-widebands include, for example, a lowerfrequency range below approximately thirty megahertz and a higherfrequency range above approximately thirty megahertz. In someembodiments, the lower frequency range is between two megahertz andtwenty-eight megahertz while the higher frequency range is between fiftymegahertz and three hundred megahertz. The lower frequency band may beconducted via the powerline, and the higher frequency band may beconducted via the powerline and/or another medium such as a telephonewire or coax cabling. A single media may be used for communicationsusing both lower and higher frequency ranges. In some embodiments,higher frequency signals may be moved to another frequency range bymixing, for example to take the signal to above an existing service onthe wire, such as in the case of a coaxial cable that already cariesanalog or digital television information. In these embodiments, thehigher frequency band may be moved, for example, between 1.2 gigahertzand 1.45 gigahertz or between 1.55 gigahertz and 1.8 gigahertz. In otherembodiments, a portion of the higher frequency band may be above 2gigahertz. In some embodiments, a signal in the higher frequency bandsmay comprise an ultra-wideband signal at least 500 megahertz wide.

Communications over the various media may be supported by a singlereference design having a single power source. The single referencedesign is optionally a single unit that comprises filters and othercomponents configured to enable connection to different mediums andpassing the communications over these mediums. For example, the singlereference design may comprise multiple interfaces configured tocommunicate over telephone line, powerline, and/or coaxial cable. Thesingle reference design may further allow the different mediums to sharea single media access control (MAC) address. The single reference designmay be powered via the powerline communications interface. In someembodiments, communications may be received and/or transmitted usingpowerlines and either telephone lines or coaxial cables. Further, thesingle reference design may comprise a single host interface controllerconfigured to communicate with a networked apparatus.

According to various embodiments, a powerline communications devicecomprises a powerline communications interface, a second communicationsinterface, and a processor. The powerline communications interface isconfigured to transmit a message via a powerline. The secondcommunications interface is configured to transmit the message via asecond medium. The processor is configured to determine, in thealternative, whether to transmit the message via the powerline or thesecond communications interface based on a quality of service metricassociated with the powerline network.

According to various embodiments, a powerline communications devicecomprises a network processor and a host interface controller. Thenetwork processor comprises logic configured to determine whether toalternatively communicate a message via a powerline communicationsinterface or a second communications interface, the secondcommunications interface being configured to communicate via a telephoneline or a coaxial cable, both the powerline communications interface andthe second communications interface being associated with a same mediaaccess control address. The host interface controller is configured tobe shared by communications received through the powerlinecommunications interface and the second communications interface.

According to various embodiments, a network comprises a first section ofmains cable configured to provide AC power, a second section of mainscable configured to provide AC power and connected to the first sectionof mains cable via a junction box, a telephone network, a first deviceconfigured to receive a message via the first section of mains cable andforward the message via the telephone network, and a second deviceconfigured to receive the message from the first device via thetelephone network, and to forward the message via the second section ofmains cable.

According to various embodiments, a method comprises generating amessage; transmitting the message via a first section of mains cableconnected to a second section of mains cable via a junction box;receiving the message at a first device; transmitting the message fromthe first device, via a telephone line or a coaxial cable; receiving themessage from the first device, at a second device; and transmitting themessage from the second device, via the second section of mains cable.

According to various embodiments, a network comprises a first section ofmains cable configured to provide AC power, a second section of mainscable configured to provide AC power and connected to the first sectionof mains cable via a junction box, a coaxial cable network, a firstdevice configured to receive a message via the first section of mainscable and forward the message via the coaxial cable network, and asecond device configured to receive the message from the first devicevia the coaxial cable network, and to forward the message via the secondsection of mains cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Multiple embodiments of the invention will now be described by way ofexample only with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior art household;

FIG. 2A is a diagram of an exemplary multi-network interface devicecomprising a plurality of interfaces for communicating over variousmediums, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a diagram of an exemplary embedded multi-network interfacedevice comprising a plurality of interfaces for communicating overvarious mediums, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2C is a diagram of an exemplary multi-network interface deviceconnected to a network apparatus, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 includes exemplary communications transmission spectra of threemediums, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a third circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fourth circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fifth circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 depicts the frequency characteristics of a frequency bandassociated with the signal used by the fifth integrated circuitembodiment depicted in FIG. 8, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sixth circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a seventh circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an eighth circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for communicatingwithin a network, according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for bridgingbetween mediums, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the sake of clarity, the term “powerline” will be used herein torefer to low voltage household or commercial mains distribution cabling(typically 100-240 V AC power) or any other distributed electricallyconductive AC cabling that is capable of passing power to appliancesconnected to it. Furthermore, the term “powerline technology” will beused herein to refer to a specification that when implemented as aseries of network interface devices connected to a powerline, enablesthe devices to bi-directionally communicate with each other usingsignals superimposed on the power distribution AC voltages also presenton the powerline.

The term “multi-network interface device” will be used herein todescribe an apparatus that implements either fully or partially, atleast two communications technologies, such as a powerline technology, atelephone line technology, or a coaxial cable technology to enable theapparatus to communicate with other devices connected via the samecommunications technology (such as a powerline, telephone line, orcoaxial cable) to a network, regardless of whether or not the apparatusis integrated with other apparatuses or functions within a singleenclosure. In some embodiments, the multi-network interface device maybe a powerline communications device having additional communicationsinterfaces for communicating via a phone line and/or a coaxial cable.

For the sake of clarity, in terms of explanation of operation of themulti-network interface device around current powerline, telephone line,and coaxial cable technologies, a frequency band used in themulti-network interface device comprising a frequency of less than about30 MHz, will be known herein as a “low band(s)”. Similarly, a frequencyband(s) used in the powerline communication devices, telephone linecommunications devices, and coaxial cable communications devices whosefrequency is greater than about 30 MHz will be known herein as “highband(s).”

For the sake of simplicity, the term “signal path” will be used to referto the path of a signal transmitted or received from a network apparatusto the powerline, telephone line or coaxial cable.

The term “separate,” as used herein with respect to frequency bands, isto characterize frequency bands that do not use, except incidentally,the same frequencies for communication data or commands. Frequency bandsmay be separate but interleaved, e.g., overlapping.

The term “simultaneously” is used herein with respect to communicatingdata to indicate that at least part of first data or commands arecommunicated using a first frequency band and/or medium at the same timeas at least part of second data or commands are communicated using asecond frequency band and/or medium. For example, simultaneoustransmission is contrasted with systems that alternate or interleave theuse of frequency ranges, one frequency range after the other or hoppingfrom one frequency range to the other frequency range while not usingboth frequency ranges at the same moment.

The term “independent” is used herein with respect to data transmittedto indicate that data transmitted using one frequency band does notdepend on data transmitted using another frequency band. Independentdata transmission can include, for example, data sent to or receivedfrom different locations. Data in which alternative bits are transmittedusing different frequencies is not independent because the bits aredependent on each other to form a useful byte. Data transmitted in afirst frequency band and including communication setup information,decryption keys, communication commands, or the like is consideredindependent from data sent in a second frequency band, even when thereceipt or processing of the data sent in the second frequency band mayuse the data in the first frequency band. This is because, transmissionof the communication setup information, decryption keys, communicationcommands, or the like does not depend on the data sent in the secondfrequency band.

The term “wideband” is used herein to refer to a frequency band or rangeused by a powerline, telephone line, or coaxial cable technology signal,characterized by having a bandwidth of greater than, or equal to, about5 MHz from the first (lowest) frequency to the last (highest) frequencyof the band irrespective of the presence of notches. However, in variousembodiments, wideband may have bandwidths of at least 5, 7, 10, 12, 15,20, 100, 250 or 500 MHz. A wideband may include many different carrierchannels used to convey data. For example, in various embodiments,widebands include more than 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, or 1000 data carrierfrequencies with or without CDMA sequences. Various embodiments of theinvention may make use of wide or narrow frequency bands.

The term “section of mains cable” is used herein to refer to varioussections of cabling in a typical AC electrical wiring system in a homeor building or dwelling. The various sections may be separated from eachother by the electrical distribution means, such as a junction box, fusebox, surge protector, residual current detector, or the like. Anindividual section of mains cable may be on a different AC phase thanother sections of mains cable within the dwelling. There may be one ormore sockets, switches and/or appliances associated with a singlesection of mains cable. The section of mains cable may comprise two orthree core class cables with or without shielding. The AC electricalwiring system may transfer electricity having a voltage of approximately110 Volts, 240 Volts, or other standard voltage levels. The section ofmains cable may comprise, at least in part, a ring main or loop. Thesection of mains cable may comprise, at least in part, a spur that maybe part of a branch-based arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the specific network and other examplesdescribed in these sections are used for illustrative purposes only. Inparticular, the examples described in these sections should in no way beconstrued as limiting the disclosed communication devices.

Some embodiments of the communications network comprise a plurality ofnodes of which some employ a multi-network interface device that enablessimultaneous and/or independent communication over two or more mediums.A first frequency band optionally comprises frequencies of less than 30MHz and the other frequency band(s) comprise frequencies of greater than30 MHz. Alternatively, both a first and a second frequency band maycomprise frequencies greater than 30 MHz. Because of the multiplefrequency bands can be in different ranges, communications can beoptimized for each of the mediums such that the trade-off between cost,coverage, and throughput will be superior to that achieved by a networkcomprising a single medium.

The computing network comprising powerlines, telephone lines, and/orcoaxial cable provides inter-operability with prior art powerlinetechnologies by also supporting communication between multi-medium nodesand single medium nodes (that communicate via a single medium (e.g.powerline).

The multi-network interface device may be part of an external modemapparatus or embedded within another apparatus (e.g. computer,television, etc.). However, regardless of the manner in which themulti-network interface device is included within a network node, thedevice remains connected to electrically conductive cabling (that passesAC power) and is capable of transmitting data across the cabling usingthe low and/or high bands. Further, the multi-network interface deviceis capable of communicating over more than one medium (e.g. telephoneline, coaxial cable, or powerline).

The multi-network interface device typically employs an analog signalseparation device configured to isolate data communication paths from ACpower transmission, prior art telephone line communication, and/or priorart coaxial cable communication, to an apparatus. One of the mostefficient ways of providing this isolation is by high-pass filtering orband-pass filtering whilst minimizing out-of band signals in the lowband. For example, high band signals may be filtered using highlinearity components and low band signals may be filtered using analoglow-pass smoothing or anti-aliasing. It may not be necessary to performthe isolation on both receiver and transmitter signal paths (dependingon the specifications of the analog components and the modulationtechniques employed therein).

Signals in the high band and the low band can use the same or differentmodulation techniques (e.g. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing(OFDM), and/or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)) or time divisionschemes to facilitate co-existence and/or bi-directional communication.In one embodiment, the low band employs a modulation scheme that isinter-operable with one of the existing powerline modem standards orproposals, whilst the high band on the powerline is used for performanceexpansion beyond previous standards or in other mediums. Data and/orcontrol commands can be passed through one or both of the mediumssimultaneously and via a plurality of multi-network interface devices inthe form of a repeater (e.g., relay) network. As such, it is possiblefor the frequency bands to overlap slightly, and to include differentfrequency ranges or bandwidths, relative to those cited herein.

In some embodiments, different types of signals are communicated indifferent frequency bands. For example, in one embodiment, communicationsetup information, node discovery signals, path discovery signals,encryption or decryption keys, communication commands, and/or othertypes of command and control signals are communicated in a firstfrequency band while other types of data (e.g., non-command and control)are communicated in a second frequency band. The other types of datacommunicated in the second frequency band may include video, audio,and/or text, etc.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of an exemplary multi-network interface device 200comprising a plurality of interfaces for communicating over variousmediums. The exemplary multi-network interface device 200 may be aseparate device, such as an adapter, or embedded into a networkapparatus such as a television, stereo, DVD player, personal computer,or the like. The multi-network interface device 200 may comprise one ormore communications interfaces including a phone line interface 202, apowerline interface 204, and/or a coaxial cable interface 206. Thecommunications interfaces are each configured to communicate over theirrespective mediums. The multi-network interface device 200 may furthercomprise one or more interfaces for communication with an apparatusconnected to the multi-network interface device 200. For example, asshown, the multi-network interface device 200 comprises a second set ofcommunications interfaces including a second phone line interface 208and an Ethernet interface 210 configured to connect to telephone and anEthernet network apparatus, respectively.

Communications over the various media may be supported by a singlereference design having a single power source. The single referencedesign is optionally a single device that comprises filters and othercomponents configured to enable connection to different mediums andpassing the communications over these mediums. For example, the singlereference design may comprise multiple interfaces configured tocommunicate over telephone line, powerline, and/or coaxial cable. Thesingle reference design may further allow the different mediums to sharea single media access control (MAC) address. The single reference designmay be powered via the powerline communications interface. Further, thesingle reference design may comprise a single host interface controllerconfigured to be shared by communications using the various mediums.

The telephone interface 202 is configured to communicate over atelephone line network. The telephone interface may, in addition tocommunicating high band signal(s), simultaneously communicate voicesignals, DSL signals (including ADSL and VDSL signals), Home PhonelineNetworking Alliance (HPNA)-compatible signals, and/or the like.Additionally, the telephone line may already carry these types ofsignals generated by other sources in other locations.

The powerline interface 204 may comprise an interface configured toreceive electrical power via a powerline. The powerline interface 204may comprise a male and/or female connector.

The coaxial cable interface 206 is configured to communicate via acoaxial cable network. The coaxial cable interface, may, in addition tocommunicating high band communication signal(s), also communicate DSLsignals, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification(DOCSIS)-compatible signals, television broadcast signals (includingcable television and/or digital television signals), Multimedia overCoax Alliance (MoCA)-compatible signals, Satellite L-Band signals,and/or the like. Additionally, the coaxial cable may already carry thesetypes of signals generated by other sources in other locations.

The second telephone interface 208 is configured to communicate a signalbetween the multi-network interface device 200 and a device. Forexample, the second telephone interface 208 may communicate with atelephone or a DSL modem. In other embodiments, the multi-networkinterface device 200 may comprise a second coaxial cable interface 206and/or a second powerline interface 204. Second telephone interface 208may be connected to a telephone and be used to communicate a telephonecall.

The Ethernet interface 210 is one example of a host interface and isconfigured to communicate a signal between the multi-network interfacedevice 200 and a device configured to communicate over an Ethernetconnection. The Ethernet interface may, for example, be connected to apersonal computer, media player, or WiFi modem. The Ethernet interface210 may be part of a device compatible with the Universal Plug'n Play(UPnP) standard, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standard, or thelike.

In operation, the communications signal may travel on one or more of themediums to reach the multi-network interface device 200 from anothernode on the network. The multi-network interface device 200 may beconfigured to determine the medium on which to transmit thecommunications signal based on a Quality of Service (QoS) metricassociated with each medium. The QoS metric may measure network latency,network throughput, available bandwidth, or the like. The multi-networkinterface device 200 may vary which medium is used to transmit signalsif the QoS metric changes over time.

Signals are received at one of the interfaces (telephone line interface202, the powerline interface 204, the coaxial cable interface 206, thesecond telephone line interface 208, and/or the Ethernet interface 210)where they may be filtered, converted, frequency shifted, modulated,mixed, or otherwise modified the signal to generate a desirable outputsignal. The output signal may be transmitted via any of the interfacesincluding the telephone line interface 202, the powerline interface 204,the coaxial cable interface 206, the second telephone line interface208, and/or the Ethernet interface 210.

In some embodiments, the multi-network interface device 200 isassociated with a single media access control (MAC) address. That is,communications received via any of the mediums may be addressed to thesame MAC address. In some embodiments, the multi-network interfacedevice 200 may be associated with two or more MAC addresses and/or havetwo or more Ethernet interfaces 210. In these embodiments, themulti-network interface device 200 may comprise a router and routingtable, a switch, or the like.

In some embodiments having more than one interface, such as those shown,the signal may substantially “pass through” the communication device200. To illustrate, the multi-network interface device 200 may beconnected to the telephone line via the telephone line communicationsinterface 202. As telephone line connections typically occur lessfrequently than other connections in a home, a homeowner may wish toinstall a telephone in the same telephone line connection. Hence, byincluding the second telephone line communications interface 208, thehomeowner may install the multi-network interface device 200 while stillbeing able to use the same telephone line connection for a telephone.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of an exemplary apparatus 212 comprising anembedded multi-network interface device 200 having a plurality ofinterfaces for communicating over various mediums, according to variousembodiments. The apparatus 212 comprises the multi-network interfacedevice 200, a host subsystem 214, a host interface 216, and an apparatusinterface 218.

The apparatus 212 may comprise a network apparatus such as a set topbox, a DSL Home Gateway, a television set, a DVD player, a kitchenappliance (e.g. a refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, etc.), awireless access point, a computing device, a data storage device, astereo, or the like. The host subsystem 214 comprises the prior arthardware and/or software included in the network apparatus, e.g., thetelevision receiver or the DVD reader. The host interface 206 comprisesa communications interface between the multi-network interface device200 and host subsystem 214. The apparatus interface 218 is an output orinput of the host subsystem 214 as known in the prior art.

FIG. 2C is a diagram of an exemplary multi-network interface device 200connected to a separate network apparatus 220. In the shown embodiment,the multi-network interface device 200 is connected to a powerline 106and a telephone line 112, via the powerline interface 204 and thetelephone line interface 202, respectively. The multi-network interfacedevice 200 is also connected to the network apparatus 220 via a hostinterface 216 to the network apparatus 220. One example of the hostinterface 216 is the Ethernet interface 210. As shown in one embodiment,the network apparatus 220 comprises a laptop computer. In otherembodiments the network apparatus 220 may comprise a set top box, a DSLHome Gateway, a television set, a DVD player, a kitchen appliance (e.g.a refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, etc.), a wireless access point,a computing device, a data storage device, a stereo, or the like.

Generally, the host interface 216 is configured to communicate directlywith a network apparatus and to act as a first interface between thenetwork apparatus and the rest of the network. In comparison with otherinterfaces of the multi-network interface device 200, the host interface216 is optionally connected to just the network apparatus 220 ratherthan a network including multiple devices and/or mediums. Typically, thehost interface 216 is configured to provide communications between thenetwork apparatus 220 and the multi-network interface device 200 over asingle medium. As is illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the host interface216 may be embedded within an apparatus 212 or may be an interfacebetween the separate devices (e.g., multi-network interface device 200and the network apparatus 220).

The host interface 216 is one example of a “host interface.” Forexample, a host interface may be a boundary between two entities thatexchange data using Ethernet class II packets and interfaces associatedwith a direct application endpoint or start point. Examples of Ethernetclass II packets include IEEE 802.3 packets with or without IEEE 802.2(Logical Link Control (LLC)), IEEE 802.1H (Sub Network Access Protocol(SNAP)) extensions and/or Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tagging.Further examples of the host interface 216 include: Ethernet10/100/1000, Media Independent Interface (MII), Gigabit MediaIndependent Interface (GMII), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI),Host Processor Interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, Firewire,Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended (PCI-X), Peripheral ComponentInterconnect Express (PCIe), Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter(UART), Service Provider Interface (SPI), or the like. Examples of hostinterface 216 associated with a direct application end point or startpoint include: Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) I/II/III,Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, Inter-Integrated Circuit Sound (I2S),Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART), Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA) protocols, Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)Transport Stream (TS), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), andVideo Graphics Array (VGA).

FIG. 3 includes exemplary communications transmission spectra of threemediums, according to various embodiments. Any or all of the mediums(powerlines, telephone lines, and/or coaxial cable) may be present in anetwork. In some embodiments, the various frequency bands depicted inFIG. 3 may comprise widebands and/or narrow bands. Other, different,communications spectra may be used in alternative embodiments. In thespectra depicted, the x-axis represents frequency.

In a spectrum 302, a communications transmission spectrum as may beassociated with a powerline is shown. The spectrum 302 comprises a lowband 304 and a high band 306. The low band 304 may comprise frequencybands below approximately thirty megahertz. The low band 304 may includebase band powerline communications frequencies as described in theHomePlug AV standard (i.e. two megahertz to thirty megahertz). The highband 306 comprises one or more frequency bands above approximatelythirty megahertz (e.g. fifty megahertz to three hundred megahertz). Insome embodiments, the high band 306 may comprise a frequency band aboveone gigahertz. In some embodiments, use of the high band 306 isoptional. Communications signals may be transmitted on the powerline inboth the low band 304 and the high band 306 simultaneously and/orindependently.

In a spectrum 308, a communications transmission spectrum as may beassociated with a telephone line is shown. The spectrum comprises alower frequency band 310 on which communications of the prior art aretransmitted. These communications include voice telephony, ADSL, VDSL,HPNA, and the like. The high band 306, used in powerline communications,may also be used on the telephone line.

In spectrums 312, 322, and 326, alternate communication transmissionspectra associated with coaxial cable technologies are shown. Thesetransmission spectra include some frequency bands used forcommunications in the prior art. A frequency band 314, for example, iscurrently associated with DSL standards and DOCSIS. A frequency band 316is associated with television broadcasts, cable television, and digitaltelevision. Frequency band 318 is associated with the MoCA standard andthe Satellite L-Band between three hundred ninety megahertz and 1.55gigahertz.

In spectrum 312, the communication signal associated with a home networkis transmitted at a higher frequency than the satellite L-band, namely,above 1.55 gigahertz, in a high band 320. The high band 320 may beassociated with a bandwidth of approximately two hundred fiftymegahertz. Thus, a service provider can fully exploit the L-band withoutinterference caused by the home network. Further, placing the high band320 above the other frequencies used by a service provider may reducethe likelihood that content, such as downloaded films or televisionshows, provided by the service provider may be hacked or otherwisestolen by a homeowner.

In spectrum 322, the communication signal associated with the homenetwork is communicated at least partially within the L-band in highband 324. In some embodiments, the high band 324 ranges fromapproximately one gigahertz to approximately 1.5 gigahertz. For example,the high band 324 may range from approximately 1.2 gigahertz and 1.45gigahertz. In various embodiments, the high band 324 may use frequenciesnot lower than 1.1 gigahertz, 1.2 gigahertz, 1.3 gigahertz, 1.4gigahertz, 1.5 gigahertz, 1.6 gigahertz, 1.7 gigahertz, 1.8 gigahertz,1.9 gigahertz and 2.0 gigahertz. Frequency ranges included in someembodiments are described in nonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/536,539 filed Sep. 28, 2006 and entitled “Multi-WidebandCommunications over Powerlines.” In some embodiments, the signaltransmit in frequency band 318 and/or the signal transmit in high band324 may be encrypted or otherwise protected.

In spectrum 326, if frequency band 316 associated with televisionbroadcasts, cable television, and digital television, is not being used,the communication signal associated with the home network iscommunicated at least partially within frequency band 328. At least aportion of the frequency band 328 includes frequencies between 50 MHzand 300 MHz.

The following FIGS. 4-8 and 10-12 depict various embodiments ofmulti-network interface device 200. The depicted embodiments supportcommunications via a powerline and a telephone line, and via a powerlineand a coaxial cable. It is understood that these embodiments may bemodified by those skilled in the art to support communications over anycombination of the three mediums. Further, a multi-network interfacedevice 200 may support communications via a telephone line and a coaxialcable, but not a powerline. The embodiments shown may comprise one ormore integrated circuit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device 200. In this embodiment, themulti-network interface device 200 is configured to providecommunications interfaces for a powerline and a telephone line. Acommunication may be received and/or transmitted via the telephone lineinterface 202 and/or the powerline interface 204. In some embodiments,the telephone line is passively shared with prior art telephone signals.The multi-network interface device 200 processes a communications signalreceived through the telephone line interface 202 and/or powerlineinterface 204 and provides a resulting output signal via an optionalEthernet interface 210, and vice-versa. Ethernet interface 210 isoptionally coupled to a network apparatus such as a television set, DVDplayer, media player, personal computer, speaker, stereo, video gameconsole, personal digital assistant, or the like. Alternatively, themulti-network interface device 200 may receive the communications signalfrom one of the telephone line interface 202 or the powerline interface204 and transmit the communications signal via the other telephone lineinterface 202 or the powerline interface 204. In embodiments configuredto communicate on both a powerline and a telephone line, the telephoneline may be used to provide redundancy in a mesh or ad-hoc network.

In one embodiment, a signal is communicated via the telephone lineinterface 202. These signals may be communicated in the high band 306.The signal path from the telephone line interface 202 to the Ethernetinterface 210 comprises a surge protector 402, an inductive coupler 404,a high pass filter 406, a network processor 412, and a host interfacecontroller 414. The high pass filter 406 may allow only frequenciesabove approximately thirty megahertz to pass. The surge protector 402,the inductive coupler 404, and the high pass filter 406 collectivelyprovide signal communications without significantly impacting servicesexisting on lower frequencies.

In some embodiments, a signal is communicated via the powerlineinterface 204. The signal may be communicated via the low band 304and/or the high band 306. The signal path from the powerline interface204 to the Ethernet interface 210 comprises an inductive coupler 408,and, depending on the frequency band of the signal, the high pass filter406 and/or a low pass filter 410. Like the signal path associated withthe telephone line interface 202, the inductive coupler 408, the highpass filter 406 and the low pass filter 410 collectively provide signalcommunications without significantly impacting prior art signals atlower frequencies. In some embodiments, the powerline interface 204 maynot be configured to communicate via the high band 306. In theseembodiments, the high pass filter 406 is optional.

In some embodiments, the network processor 412 and the host interfacecontroller 414 are shared by the signal paths associated with thepowerline interface 204 and the telephone line interface 202. Thenetwork processor 412 comprises processing circuitry to remove noise,amplify the signal, and/or convert an analog signal to a digital signalor vice-versa. The network processor 412 may comprise two or more analogfront ends (AFE). One of the AFEs is configured to receive and/ortransmit a communications signal on the high band 206 and the other ofthe AFEs is configured to receive and/or transmit a communicationssignal on the low band 304. In the embodiment shown, a communicationsignal received via the high band 306 passes through the high passfilter 406 and a high frequency AFE 416, and a communication signalreceived via the low band 304 passes through the low pass filter 410 anda low frequency AFE 418.

The network processor 412 may further comprise a line driver,programmable gain amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and/or adigital-to-analog converter. Possible configurations of the networkprocessor 412 are described in greater detail in nonprovisional U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/536,539 filed Sep. 28, 2006 and entitled“Multi-Wideband Communications over Powerlines.” Logic within thenetwork processor may determine whether to transmit a communicationsignal via a certain communications interface based on a quality ofservice metric of the communications network or a purpose of thecommunication signal. The network processor 412 may be compatible withthe HomePlug AV standard or other standards associated with powerlinecommunications, telephone line communications, or coaxial cablecommunications. Network processor 412 is optionally configured toprocess prior art telephone signals, e.g., if the multi-networkinterface device 200 is included in a telephone.

The host interface controller (ICONT) 414 allows for communication ofdata between the Ethernet interface 210 and the network processor 412.For example, the ICONT 414 may implement an Ethernet controller asspecified by IEEE 802.3. To illustrate, the ICONT 414 includes thePhysical and Data Link layers as defined in the seven layer OSIreference model for standardizing computer-to-computer communications.Additionally, ICONT 414 may implement a TCP/IP stack that includes theNetwork, Transport and Application layers of the OSI reference model.The multi-network interface device 200 may receive power via thepowerline interface 204. ICONT 414 is optionally included within networkprocessor 412, host interface PCI driver, or the like.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the multi-networkinterface device 200. In this embodiment, the multi-network interfacedevice 200 is configured to communicate a first signal via the low band304 over a powerline and to communicate a second signal via the highband 306 over a telephone line. The multi-network interface device 200additionally comprises a second telephone line interface 208. The secondtelephone line interface 208 may be used to communicate voice, ADSL,VDSL, or HPNA signals within band 310.

To allow communication between the telephone line interface 202 and thesecond telephone line interface 208, an optional second inductivecoupler 502 may be placed between the surge protector 402 and theinductive coupler 404. The second inductive coupler 502 is coupled to anoptional low pass filter 504 to isolate the signal within the band 310from other communications signals communicated within the high band 306.The low pass filter 504 may pass frequencies below approximately thirtymegahertz. Another surge protector 402 may be placed between the lowpass filter 504 and the second telephone line interface 208. A user mayconnect a non-network apparatus such as a telephone, DSL modem, or thelike to the second telephone line interface 208. In alternativeembodiments, the first telephone line interface 202 and the secondtelephone line interface 208 are connected by a direct pass-throughconnection.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of a multi-networkinterface device 200. In this embodiment, the multi-network interfacedevice 200 is configured to communicate a first signal via the low band304 over a powerline, to communicate a second signal via the high band306 over the powerline, and optionally to communicate the second signalor a third signal via the high band 306 over a telephone line. Themulti-network interface device 200 comprises a second telephoneinterface 208 from which a fourth signal, in band 310, may becommunicated as discussed in connection with FIG. 5.

The multi-network interface device 200 comprises a network processor 412having a single high frequency AFE 416 configured to receive or transmitsignals communicated via the high band 306 over both the powerline andthe telephone line. The single high frequency AFE 416 optionallyincludes passive sharing of the powerline and the phone line. As such,the single high frequency AFE 416 can only receive or only transmit onesignal at any one time.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the multi-networkinterface device 200. The embodiment of multi-network interface device200 illustrated in FIG. 7 is substantially similar to the multi-networkinterface device 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 except for a dual highfrequency AFE 702. The dual high frequency AFE 702 includes two separateinputs configured to independently and simultaneously communicatesignals in the high band 306 and through both the telephone lineinterface 202 and the powerline interface 204.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of the multi-networkinterface device 200. In this embodiment, the multi-network interfacedevice 200 is configured to communicate between an optional Ethernetinterface 210, a powerline interface 204, and a coaxial cable interface206. The communication may pass between any two or all three of theseinterfaces. For example, the multi-network interface device 200, asshown, may communicate over a powerline using the low band 304 and overcoaxial cable using either band 320 or band 324. In other embodiments,the powerline signal path may be configured to support communicationsover the high band 306. The multi-network interface device 200 maysupport communications between the power line interface 204 and thecoaxial cable interface 206. The signal path from the powerlineinterface to the Ethernet interface 210 is further discussed herein, forexample, in connection with FIG. 4.

The signal path from the coaxial cable interface 206 comprises aninductive coupler 802, a band pass filter 804, a receiving signal path,and transmitting signal path, a local oscillator 812, a low pass filter814, the network processor 412, and the ICONT 414. From the ICONT 414,the signal may be communicated to the Ethernet interface 210 and/or thepowerline interface 204. The receiving signal path comprises a low noiseamplifier 806, a band pass filter 808, and an optional down convertermixer 810. The transmitting signal path comprises an optional upconverter mixer 816, a band pass filter 818, and a programmableamplifier 820. The network processor 412 and the ICONT 414 may be sharedwith the powerline signal path.

The coaxial cable may carry signals at frequencies above one gigahertz,as described herein, for example, in connection with FIG. 3. The networkprocessor 412 may be configured to process signals having frequencieswithin low band 304 and high band 306. Therefore, these signals may beshifted between the high band 306 and the high band 320 or the high band324 along the coaxial cable signal path using the up converter mixer 816or the down converter mixer 310, respectively. In some embodiments,clock error on the coaxial cable may be communicated over the powerlineusing the powerline interface 204 The inductive coupler 802 and the bandpass filter 804 collectively enable signal communications withoutimpacting prior art services on lower frequencies.

The low-noise amplifier 806 may amplify a signal received via thecoaxial cable interface 206 based on a control signal received from thenetwork processor 412. The signal may then pass through an optionalsecond band pass filter 808 before entering the down converter mixer810. The down converter mixer 810 is controlled by the local oscillator812, which is, in turn, controlled by the network processor 412. Thedown converter mixer 810 is configured, based on the received signal, togenerate two lower frequency sidebands. The low pass filter 814 passesone of the two lower frequency sidebands. The passed lower frequencysideband is then processed by the network processor 412.

An output signal from the network processor 412 via the coaxial cableinterface 206 optionally passes through the low pass filter 814, the upconverter mixer 816, a band pass filter 818, and a programmable gainamplifier 820. The up converter mixer 816 is controlled by the localoscillator 812 and generates two side bands. The band pass filter 818isolates one of the sidebands for transmission via the coaxial cable.The isolated sideband may be selected based on the presence or absenceof satellite L-band signals on the coaxial cable. The isolated sidebandis then amplified by programmable amplifier 820. The signal passesthrough the band pass filter 804 and the inductive coupler 802 uponleaving the transmission path.

FIG. 9 depicts frequency bands associated with the signal used by thefifth integrated circuit embodiment 200 depicted in FIG. 8, according tovarious embodiments when the signal is communicated via the coaxialcable. Spectra 902, 904, and 906 depict frequency characteristics of asignal received by the multi-network interface device 200 along thereceiving signal path. Spectra 908, 910, and 912 depict frequencycharacteristics of the signal transmitted by the multi-network interfacedevice 800 along the transmitting signal path. In the embodiment shown,the signals are communicated via the coaxial cable using high band 324.In other embodiments, the signals may be received and/or transmittedover high band 320.

In spectra 902, a signal within the high band 324 is received by thecoaxial cable interface 206. In the receiving signal path, the downconverter mixer 810 generates two sidebands, in the high band 306 and inanother band 914, based on the received signal as depicted in spectra904. At least one of these sidebands may be within high band 306 or lowband 304. In spectra 904, the lower frequency sideband is shown to bewithin high band 306. The low pass filter 814 isolates the sideband inhigh band 306 shown in spectrum 906, which can be processed by networkprocessor 412.

To transmit a signal via the coaxial cable interface 206, the networkprocessor 412 generates the signal in the high band 306, as shown inspectrum 908. The up converter mixer 816 generates two side bands fromthe generated signal as shown in spectrum 910. In the embodiment shown,at least one of these sidebands is within high bands 320 and 324 asdescribed herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 3. Other embodimentsmay generate sidebands in other frequencies. The sideband, e.g. in band324, to be transmitted via the coaxial cable interface 206 is isolated,as shown in spectrum 912, using the band pass filter 818. In alternativeembodiments, network processor 412 is configured to directly processand/or generate signals in the high band 324 and/or the high band 320.

In further embodiments, the multi-network interface device 200 maycomprise a communications interface is associated with a second mediaaccess control address. In these embodiments, the multi-networkinterface device 200 may comprise a router or switch. The router mayaccess a router table to route communications and/or messages to anappropriate MAC address.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sixth circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device 200, according to various embodiments. Inthis embodiment, the multi-network interface device 200 is configured tocommunicate between an optional host interface 216, a powerlineinterface 204, and a coaxial cable interface 206. The multi-networkinterface device may communicate via the powerline and/or the hostinterface 216 as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 4.Further, the coaxial cable interface 206 may communicate signals withinthe frequency band 328 described herein, at least, in connection withFIG. 3. According to these embodiments, the high pass filter 406 mayisolate the signals in frequency band 328 from those present on thecoaxial cable in band 314.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a seventh circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device 200, according to various embodiments. Inthis embodiment, the multi-network interface device 200 is configured tocommunicate between an optional host interface 216, a powerlineinterface 204, and a coaxial cable interface 206. The multi-networkinterface device may communicate via the powerline and/or the hostinterface 216 as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 5.Further, the coaxial cable interface 206 may communicate signals withinthe frequency band 328 described herein, at least, in connection withFIG. 3. The multi-network interface device 200 additionally comprises asecond coaxial cable interface 1102. The second coaxial line interface208 may be used to communicate voice, ADSL, VDSL, or HPNA signals withinband 314.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an eighth circuit embodiment of themulti-network interface device 200, according to various embodiments. Inthis embodiment, the multi-network interface device 200 is configured tocommunicate a first signal via the low band 304 over a powerline, tocommunicate a second signal via the high band 306 over the powerline,and optionally to communicate the second signal or a third signal viathe frequency band 328 over a coaxial cable. The multi-network interfacedevice may communicate via the powerline and/or the host interface 216as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 6. Further, thecoaxial cable interface 206 may communicate signals within the frequencyband 328 described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 3. Themulti-network interface device 200 additionally comprises a secondcoaxial cable interface 1102. The second coaxial line interface 208 maybe used to communicate voice, ADSL, VDSL, or HPNA signals within band314.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method 1300 forcommunicating within a network, according to various embodiments. Inthis method, a multi-network interface device 200 may become known to,and communicate with, other network devices within a communicationsnetwork. These other network devices may be further instances ofmulti-network interface device 200 or other network devices known in theart. In some embodiments, the multi-network interface device 200 may actas a repeater in the network and/or otherwise forward messages to theother network devices via the method 1300.

In a step 1302, the multi-network interface device 200 interrogates thecommunications network by sending and receiving data packets. Thepowerline interface 204, telephone line interface 202, and/or thecoaxial cable interface 206 may be used to send and receive these datapackets. The interrogation may, in some embodiments, be initiated bynetwork service provider such as a cable provider. The interrogation maybe configured to determine, for example, types of network devicesconnected to the communications network, MAC addresses associated withthese network devices, which mediums and frequency bands may be used tocommunicate with each of these network devices, possible bandwidths,and/or the like.

The interrogation may include obtaining one or more quality of service(QoS) metric. These QoS metrics may be associated with specific mediaand/or specific frequency bands. For example, in some instancesmulti-network interface device 200 may be able to communication withanother network device through more than one media and/or using morethan one frequency band. The QoS metric may be used to determine whichmedia and/or which frequency bands are preferred for communicating withspecific network devices.

In a step 1304, a message is received by the multi-network interfacedevice 200 from another network device or from the Ethernet interface210. The message may be received via an Ethernet cable, the powerline,the telephone line, or the coaxial cable. For example, the message maycomprise a request for communications, or a video data signal sent froma DVD player to a television.

In step 1306, a pathway and associated medium for forwarding the messagereceived in step 1304 to another network device is selected. Thisselection may be based on a QoS requirement, the type of network deviceto which the message is to be forwarded to, a communication interfaceassociated with the network device, and/or a bandwidth requirement ofthe message to be sent. This selection may further use informationgathered in step 1302. For example, bandwidths and QoS metricsdetermined in step 1302 may be compared with bandwidth and QoSrequirements.

More than one medium is optionally selected in step 1306. For example,it may be determined that data can be sent via both telephone interface202 and powerline interface 204 in parallel to achieve a requiredbandwidth. Alternatively, it may be determined that command and controlsignals may be sent via powerline interface 204 while high bandwidthvideo data can be sent via telephone interface 202 and/or a differentfrequency band of the powerline interface 204.

In step 1306, the multi-network interface device 200 may select apathway to a destination. This selection may be made, for example, toavoid passage through a junction box or other pathway associated with alow QoS metric. As such, the selected pathway may include transmittingthe received message via the telephone line interface 202 or coaxialcable interface 206, rather than the power line interface 204.

In a step 1308, specific frequency bands associated with the mediaselected in step 1306 are selected for transmitting the message. Forexample, if the selected media includes a power line coupled to powerline interface 204, then the low band 304 and/or the high band 306 maybe selected in step 1308. If the selected media includes a coaxial cablecoupled to the coaxial cable interface 206, then the frequency bands 320and/or 324 may be selected. The selection of frequency bands istypically made based on criteria similar to the criteria used to selectmedia in step 1306. For example, the selection may be made based oncomparisons of bandwidth and QoS requirements with metrics determined instep 1302. More than one frequency band may be selected in step 1308. Insome embodiments, steps 1306 and 1308 are combined into a single step.

In a step 1310, the message is transmitted via the selected mediaselected in step 1306 and the frequency bands selected in step 1308. Thetransmission may include using an alternative medium (e.g., thetelephone line) and/or shifting the message into another frequency band(e.g., from low band 304 to high band 306).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method 1400 for bridgingbetween mediums, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments,bridging between mediums may be performed when there is a section of thenetwork having a low QoS. To bridge mediums, two or more devicescommunicate the signal across multiple mediums. For example, in somecommunications networks using a powerline communications network,passing a signal through a junction box to traverse between sections ofmains cable is difficult. Therefore, another medium may be used as abridge between multiple sections of mains cable.

In a step 1402, a signal is generated. The signal is associated with oneor more destinations. In a step 1404, the signal is transmitted via afirst powerline communications network to a first multi-networkinterface device 200. The first multi-network interface device 200 maybe connected to a first section of mains cable. In step 1406, the signalis received at the first multi-network interface device 200.

In an optional step 1408, the signal is shifted into another frequencyband for transmission via the telephone line or coaxial cable. In a step1410, the signal is transmit from the first multi-network interfacedevice 200 via the telephone line or coaxial cable to a secondmulti-network interface device 200. In a step 1412, the signal isreceived at the second multi-network interface device 200 via thetelephone line or coaxial cable. The second device may be connected to,for example, a second section of mains cable separated from the firstsection of mains cable by a junction box. In a step 1414, the signal istransmitted via the second powerline communications network. The signalmay be modified in frequency or content by the first or secondmulti-network interface device 200.

Several embodiments are specially illustrated and/or described herein.However, it will be appreciated that modification and variations arecovered by the above teachings and within the scope of the appendedclaims without departing from the spirit and intended scope thereof. Forexample, the techniques described herein may be used in household,commercial, civic, industrial and/or vehicle power systems. Further,various embodiments may be embodied in firmware, hardware, and/orsoftware (stored on a computer readable media), executable by aprocessor. These element forms are generally referred to as “logic.”

In some embodiments, one of the communications interfaces included inmulti-network interface device 200 may be configured to communicate overa wireless network, such as a WiFi network, and comprise a wirelessnetwork antenna. According to various embodiments, the multi-networkinterface device 200 may include a transformer configured to transformAC power received via the powerline to DC power (e.g., 5V, 12V, or 24V)to power a network apparatus. In these embodiments, the multi-networkinterface device 200 includes an AC/DC converter. In variousembodiments, Ethernet interface 210 may be replaced by another computerinterface such as a universal serial bus interface, a parallel portinterface, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface, anAccelerated Graphics Port (AGP), a wireless interface, and/or otherindustry standard data interface.

Some embodiments of the multi-network interface device 200 includeexternal devices that comprise two interfaces configured to communicatevia two types of mediums. These devices may or may not include a bypassas described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 5.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and via a telephone line on a high band to oneor more host interfaces configured to communicate using Ethernet10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB, USB2.0, Firewire, or the like. Oneembodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via the powerline on a high band and via atelephone line on a high band to one or more host interfaces configuredto communicate using Ethernet 10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB,USB2.0, Firewire, or the like.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and via a coaxial cable on a high band to one ormore host interfaces configured to communicate using Ethernet10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB, USB2.0, Firewire, or the like. Oneembodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via the powerline on a high band, and via acoaxial cable on a high band to one or more host interfaces configuredto communicate using Ethernet 10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB,USB2.0, Firewire, or the like.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and via a coaxial cable on a high band using amixer as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8 to one ormore host interfaces configured to communicate using Ethernet10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB, USB2.0, Firewire, or the like. Oneembodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via the powerline on a high band, and viacoaxial cable on a high band using a mixer as described herein, atleast, in connection with FIG. 8 to one or more host interfacesconfigured to communicate using Ethernet 10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB,Wireless USB, USB2.0, Firewire, or the like.

Some embodiments of the multi-network interface device 200 includeexternal devices that comprise three interfaces configured tocommunicate via three types of mediums. These devices may or may notinclude a bypass as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG.5.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via a telephone line on a high band, and via acoaxial cable on a high band to one or more host interfaces configuredto communicate using Ethernet 10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB,USB2.0, Firewire, or the like. One embodiment comprises interfacesconfigured to communicate via the powerline on a low band, via thepowerline on a high band, via a telephone line on a high band, and via acoaxial cable on a high band to one or more host interfaces configuredto communicate using Ethernet 10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB, Wireless USB,USB2.0, Firewire, or the like. One embodiment comprises interfacesconfigured to communicate via the powerline on a low band, via thepowerline on a high band, via a telephone line on a high band, and via acoaxial cable on a high band using a mixer as described herein, atleast, in connection with FIG. 8 to one or more host interfacesconfigured to communicate using Ethernet 10/100/1000, WiFi, UWB,Wireless USB, USB2.0, Firewire, or the like.

Some embodiments of the multi-network interface device 200 includeembedded devices that comprise two interfaces configured to communicatevia two types of mediums. These devices may or may not communicate overmediums that also have signals for other services in other frequencybands. Examples of these services include DOCSIS, Cable TV, or the likein a coaxial cable modem and/or DSL, Voice, or the like in a DSL HomeGateway device.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and via a telephone line on a high band to oneor more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe,Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like. One embodimentcomprises interfaces configured to communicate via the powerline on alow band, via the powerline on a high band, and via a telephone line ona high band to one or more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI,MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe, Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and via a coaxial cable on a high band to one ormore host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe, HostProcessor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like. One embodiment comprisesinterfaces configured to communicate via the powerline on a low band,via the powerline on a high band, and via a coaxial cable on a high bandto one or more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X,PCIe, Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and via a coaxial cable on a high band using amixer as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8 to one ormore host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe, HostProcessor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like. One embodiment comprisesinterfaces configured to communicate via the powerline on a low band,via the powerline on a high band, and via a coaxial cable on a high bandusing a mixer as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8to one or more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X,PCIe, Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like.

Some embodiments of the multi-network interface device 200 includeembedded devices that comprise three interfaces configured tocommunicate via three types of mediums. These devices may or may notcommunicate over mediums that also have signals for other services inother frequency bands. Examples of these services include DOCSIS, CableTV, or the like in a coaxial cable modem and/or DSL, Voice, or the likein a DSL Home Gateway device.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via a telephone line on a high band, and via acoaxial cable on a high band to one or more host interfaces to one ormore host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe, HostProcessor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like. One embodiment comprisesinterfaces configured to communicate via the powerline on a low band,via the powerline on a high band, via a telephone line on a high band,and via a coaxial cable on a high band to one or more host interfaces toone or more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X,PCIe, Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via a telephone line on a high band, and via acoaxial cable on a high band using a mixer as described herein, atleast, in connection with FIG. 8 to one or more host interfaces to oneor more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI, MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe,Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like. One embodimentcomprises interfaces configured to communicate via the powerline on alow band, via the powerline on a high band, via a telephone line on ahigh band, and via a coaxial cable on a high band using a mixer asdescribed herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8 to one or morehost interfaces to one or more host interfaces such as MII, GMII, PCI,MiniPCI, PCI-X, PCIe, Host Processor Interface, SPI, UART, or the like.

Some embodiments of the multi-network interface device 200 includeexternal repeater devices that comprise two or three interfacesconfigured to communicate via two or three types of mediums. Thesedevices may or may not include a bypass as described herein, at least,in connection with FIG. 5.

One embodiment is configured to repeat signals between the powerline ona low band and the telephone line on a high band. One embodiment isconfigured to repeat signals between the powerline on a low band, thepower line on a high band, and the telephone line on a high band. Oneembodiment is configured to repeat signals between the powerline on alow band and the coaxial cable on a high band. One embodiment isconfigured to repeat signals between the powerline on a low band, thepower line on a high band, and the coaxial cable on a high band.

One embodiment is configured to repeat signals between the powerline ona low band and the coaxial cable on a high band using a mixer asdescribed herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8. One embodiment isconfigured to repeat signals between the powerline on a low band, thepower line on a high band, and the coaxial cable on a high band using amixer as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8.

One embodiment is configured to repeat signals between the powerline ona low band, the telephone line on a high band, and the coaxial cable onthe high band. One embodiment is configured to repeat signals betweenthe powerline on a low band, the power line on a high band, thetelephone line on a high band, and the coaxial cable on the high band.

One embodiment is configured to repeat signals between the powerline ona low band, the telephone line on a high band, and the coaxial cable ona high band using a mixer as described herein, at least, in connectionwith FIG. 8. One embodiment is configured to repeat signals between thepowerline on a low band, the power line on a high band, the telephoneline on a high band, and the coaxial cable on a high band using a mixeras described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8.

Some embodiments of the multi-network interface device 200 comprise twoor three network interfaces and a host interface comprising an I2S orSony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format (SPDIF) compliant interface fortransfer of an audio stream.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and the telephone line on a high band to thehost interface. One embodiment comprises interfaces configured tocommunicate via the powerline on a low band, via the powerline on a highband, and the telephone line on a high band to the host interface. Oneembodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band and the coaxial cable on a high band to the hostinterface. One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicatevia the powerline on a low band, via the powerline on a high band, andthe coaxial cable on a high band to the host interface.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, and via the coaxial cable on a high band usinga mixer as described herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8 to thehost interface. One embodiment comprises interfaces configured tocommunicate via the powerline on a low band, via the powerline on a highband, and via the coaxial cable on a high band using a mixer asdescribed herein, at least, in connection with FIG. 8 to the hostinterface.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, the telephone line on a high band to the hostinterface, and the coaxial cable on the high band. One embodimentcomprises interfaces configured to communicate via the powerline on alow band, via the powerline on a high band, via the telephone line on ahigh band to the host interface, and via the coaxial cable on a highband.

One embodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via the telephone line on the high band, andvia the coaxial cable on a high band using a mixer as described herein,at least, in connection with FIG. 8 to the host interface. Oneembodiment comprises interfaces configured to communicate via thepowerline on a low band, via the powerline on a high band, via thetelephone line on the high band, and via the coaxial cable on a highband using a mixer as described herein, at least, in connection withFIG. 8 to the host interface.

The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative of the presentinvention. As these embodiments of the present invention are describedwith reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations ofthe methods or specific structures described may become apparent tothose skilled in the art. All such modifications, adaptations, orvariations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention, andthrough which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered tobe within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, thesedescriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense,as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited toonly the embodiments illustrated.

1. A powerline communications device, comprising: a network processor comprising logic configured to determine whether to alternatively communicate a message via a powerline communications interface or a second communications interface, the second communications interface being configured to communicate via a telephone line or a coaxial cable, both the powerline communications interface and the second communications interface being identified by a same media access control address; and a host interface controller configured to be shared by communications received through the powerline communications interface and the second communications interface.
 2. The powerline communications device of claim 1, wherein the second communications interface comprises a telephone communications interface.
 3. The powerline communications device of claim 1, wherein the second communications interface comprises a coaxial cable interface.
 4. The powerline communications device of claim 1, wherein the logic is further configured to determine whether to communicate the message via a third communications interface identified by a second media access control address.
 5. The powerline communications device of claim 1, wherein the host interface controller includes physical and data link layers of the OSI reference model.
 6. The powerline communications device of claim 5, wherein the host interface controller further includes the network, transport, and application layers of the OSI reference model.
 7. The powerline communications device of claim 5, wherein the powerline communications device is configured to act as a switch at the data link layer level responsive to the logic of the network processor.
 8. A network comprising: a first section of mains cable configured to provide AC power; a second section of mains cable configured to provide AC power and connected to the first section of mains cable main via a junction box; a telephone network; a first device configured to receive a message via the first section of mains cable and forward the message via the telephone network; and a second device configured to receive the message from the first device via the telephone network, and to forward the message via the second section of mains cable.
 9. The network of claim 8, wherein the first device is configured to shift the message from a first frequency band to a second frequency band.
 10. The network of claim 8, wherein the first section of mains cable is on a first alternating current (AC) phase and the second section of mains cable is on a second alternating current (AC) phase.
 11. The network of claim 8, wherein the first section of mains cable comprises a ring main.
 12. The network of claim 8, wherein the first section of mains cable comprises a spur.
 13. A method comprising: generating a message; transmitting the message via a first section of mains cable connected to a second section of mains cable via a junction box; receiving the message at a first device; forwarding the message from the first device, via a telephone line or a coaxial cable; receiving the message from the first device, at a second device; and forwarding the message from the second device, via the second section of mains cable.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising shifting the message from a first frequency band to a second frequency band at the first device or the second device.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first section of mains cable and the second section of mains cable are on different AC phases.
 16. A network comprising: a first section of mains cable configured to provide AC power; a second section of mains cable configured to provide AC power and connected to the first section of mains cable via a junction box; a coaxial cable network; a first device configured to receive a message via the first section of mains cable and forward the message via the coaxial cable network; and a second device configured to receive the message from the first device via the coaxial cable network, and to forward the message via the second section of mains cable.
 17. The network of claim 16, wherein the first device is configured to shift the message from a first frequency band to a second frequency band.
 18. The network of claim 16, wherein the first section of mains cable is on a first AC phase and the second section of mains cable is on a second AC phase.
 19. The network of claim 16, wherein the first section of mains cable comprises a ring main.
 20. The network of claim 16, wherein the first section of mains cable comprises a spur. 